Do you know how to see a positive change in your skin's appearance in less than a fortnight?

Stay on top of your home care routine or better yet, substitute the word self-care for home care. That's right, think of it as self-care and make your routine a daily priority.

Think of this as a commitment to your overall well-being. You will feel amazing, your skin will look amazing, and you will end your day on a positive note.

I have never heard anyone express regret about taking good care of their skin throughout their lifetime.

When the seasons change, hustle on in for a skin tune-up to enable your skin to be at its best. A facial is essential to your health. A facial will afford you with a much needed stress buster, you will feel better, and it's a fabulous health booster too.

FACT - wind, colder temperatures, heating, lack of humidity, hot water and your age. ALL of these factors will have an impact on your skin's hydration level and your personal comfort. When colder weather sets in, your skin will become drier.

Do You Have A Plan?​

A smart strategy to stay ahead of any discomfort and irritation is by investing in your skin. Schedule a regular facial and use the correct skincare products at home to help keep everything in check.

Six Smart Solutions

1. Use a CREAMY CLEANSERA welcome change to consider that will cleanse your skin without leaving it feeling taut.If your skin is on the border, meaning not too oily & not too dry. Alternate the cleansing step with a creamy cleanser in the morning and a gel cleanser at night.

2. Wash Your Face Morning and NightYes, twice a day. You cleanse at night to remove all the "yuck" and impurities from your face that it has been exposed to during your waking hours. Your skin heals, restores & detoxes itself while you sleep. Cleansing your face in the morning removes the wastes from its overnight detox process.

3. Exfoliate Once or Twice a Week Avoid excessive and aggressive exfoliation and STOP the daily exfoliation ritual. It will not make you look younger. Gentle exfoliation is best as it enables your skin to shed properly in order for it to absorb the protection afforded by any serums, face oils and moisturizer.

FACT: Did you know it takes your skin roughly ten day to adjust to a new temperature? When the temperature drops by 30 or more degrees over a brief period of time. Your skin freaks out! This environmental stress can cause excessive dryness in your skin or breakouts. This happens because your skin will respond by either over-producing or under-producing its natural oils. Which leads us to number....

4. Use a Humidifier and Drink More WaterNaturally, you will turn on or perhaps turn up the heat in your space in order to stay warm. Now your skin needs more humidity. Turn on your humidifier and drink an extra glass of water. No, not more coffee or tea. WATER.

5. Facial OilsAnother solution to keep in mind is incorporating a facial oil into your routine in the morning and before bed. This is a quick and easy step that yields excellent benefits. Facial oils mirror your oil glands and help your skin maintain its delicate moisture-balance. It doesn't matter what type of skin you happen to have as facial oils are very diverse for all skins and there is one available for you. Apply 2 - 3 drops directly onto your skin and gently massage it in, then use your moisturizer on top. Your skin will be radiant, smooth and soft.

6. Apply MoisturizerMorning and night on clean skin. Feel free to boost it with a hydrating serum when needed.

Remember: Don't allow your skin to suffer from the ravages of the change in seasons. Take charge and be aware how your skin responds to it environment.

This is what clients say to me from mid-Autumn and all winter long. "My skin is super dry. I don't know how much or how often to moisturize my face. What should I do to care for my skin in winter? Do I need a sunscreen all year round?"Here is the best way to Repair and Prepare your skin for the change from warm weather to cold weather. As you know, by the end of September your skin's needs become more demanding and requires more special care.

*Choose The Correct CleanserThis is an excellent first step to avoid stripping your skin. Make sure your cleanser is a good fit for your skin type and skin conditions. Washing your face twice daily with an appropriate non-foaming or low foaming cleanser is ideal as the environment becomes cooler and drier. This will help you avoid looking and feeling dull, dry, and flaky. This step will also help minimize any irritation and help prevent surface dehydration.You will definitely want to avoid alcohol-based toners as they strip the skin of its protective acid mantle. It's best to be mindful that their continued use leads to redness, irritation, and can critically damage your lipid barrier. Resulting in long-term problems for you and your skin.

*Moisturize DailyFollow this crucial step in the morning, and in the evening before bed. Choose a multi-functional moisturizer that is specific for your skin's needs. Be aware, that when you choose to skip this step. Your skin will become more vulnerable to the elements or it may produce more oil than necessary to ensure its own protection. If your skin needs a night cream, a treatment cream or a serum. Be sure to choose a specialty treatment product that addresses any skin condition that concerns you. These specialty products are concentrated and are optimally formulated. Best of all these products remain undisturbed for hours on your face while you sleep. This night-time ritual works in harmony when your skin is carrying out its repair cycle. Be sure to include sunscreen regardless of your outside exposure. Sunscreen is best used daily all year long.

*Drink Plenty of WaterThroughout the day as it plays an essential part in keeping your skin healthy. Water helps to maintain your skin's optimum moisture levels and aids in the delivery of nutrients to your cells. As the days become shorter, the air inside is drier and colder outside. Consider investing in a humidifier to help prevent your skin from drying out and curtailing static electricity shocks in your home. A humidifier will help your skin retain its natural moisture.

*Stop Taking Long, Hot Showers We all love long, hot showers especially when it's cold. That practice is a definite no-no, bad idea! Your skin is designed to be protected by a very thin layer of natural oils to keep it optimally healthy, and to help it retain its moisture. Bathing in hot water softens that natural protection and allows your skin's natural moisture to wash away. Bathe once a day unless your needs dictate otherwise. Keep the water warm, not hot and avoid bathing all over with bar soap. Opt for a body cleanser that moisturizes and cleans without stripping your body. Upon exiting from your bathing ritual, gently pat your skin with a towel to minimize irritation. Followed by the application of a body moisturizer while your skin is still damp. By doing so, you will help trap moisture in the skin. Don't forget your hands and cuticles since they receive a lot of exposure on a daily basis. Reapply hand cream frequently throughout the day. As the temperature drops be sure to wear protective clothing.

*Schedule a Facial with an EstheticianStart the season off right with a facial. After the summer ends your skin is in need of a professional exfoliation to help you put your best face forward. Your SKIN PRO will recommend the right products for your skin type, its conditions and will instruct you how to use these products for the best results. You can be sure that your skin will be optimally hydrated and cared for; you will reap benefit upon benefit as you feel the gentle and healing hands of your esthetician help you relax, rejuvenate, and soothe your soul.

Recent conversations with fellow professionals and clients have prompted me to post this message to further inform and educate you about sources for professional skincare and beauty products. Professional skincare companies manufacture and distribute their products for sale through authorized sellers, better known as licensed estheticians. The esthetician travels to the company for in-depth product training. She learns all about the product line, its features and benefits, the ingredients, how to use it, and any contraindications. She can then provide a superior service and product offering to her clients that will serve the client's interests and enhance her client's well being. ​Do you KNOW and TRUST the source of your professional skincare products?

What is Product Diversion?

​When professional skincare or beauty products are sold by unauthorized retailers and "e tailers" the practice becomes known as product diversion. It is also referred to as the "gray market" or "parallel distribution". Not quite as scary as the "black market", but it too can prove to be harmful to your health. The practice of product diversion disrupts the established distribution between the manufacturer and their authorized, licensed sellers. "Gray market" products are not usually obtained outside of authorized sellers. They are obtained illegally through fraud. Discount stores, discount pharmacies, warehouse clubs and on-line retailers (e tailers) are more than happy to sell these "diverted goods". It's great for their bottom line. These unauthorized sellers are able to profit off the labor of the manufacturer and the authorized sellers that originally developed and supported the market for these products. It's like taking candy from a baby. The product name and reputation is established and sound. Now the "gray marketers" can sit back and profit off the original success without any real effort on their part.

How does this affect me?

The safety and efficacy of the products comes into question. Diverted products could have been tampered with, counterfeited or stolen. What about products that are old and long past their expiry date? How much have they degraded? How were they warehoused? Is it real or is it a copy? Where was it manufactured? How did the unauthorized seller obtain the products? You are not receiving value for your hard earned money when you purchase professional skincare products from an unauthorized seller. Purchasing your products from an outside source may harm your health and might put you at risk for an infection. At Facial Zen, I purchase directly from the manufacturer on a regular basis to ensure a product of the highest quality. I do not tamper with the products in my possession. I store the products safely and correctly to ensure their quality. I educate you on their use and I offer a product return service on goods purchased at Facial Zen.

Caring for your skin at home requires a plan. Don't you agree? It's fun shopping for skin care products and experimenting with them in the comfort of your home. It's even pleasurable to give yourself an at-home facial, but is it enough? The following is an explanation of the steps and benefits of receiving routine facials.

Scheduling an appointment for a professional skin care treatment or facial is essential to the overall health of your skin and its benefits stretch beyond the limits of glowing skin. Let's take a quick peek into the wonderful world of professional facials when executed by a true skin care expert. A trained and licensed esthetician.

1. Skin AnalysisThis highly important step reveals your skin type, skin conditions and the best treatment to pursue during your facial and your home care routine. You won't be second guessing what to do anymore! You will have a professional recommendation, routine and access to professional products to take home and use on your face that will help maintain your facial results.

2. Cleansing * Exfoliation * Extractions (=CEE, sounds like some sort of a certification, doesn't it?)We start with the removal of surface dirt, followed by cellular dirt and finally the impurities from your skin. This includes the removal of excess oils and blockages within your skin. Your skin texture noticeably improves.

3. Specific Skin TreatmentHere the focus is deeper. This is an additional step to a classic facial. Concerns addressed can be the reduction of pigmentation and scarring, cellular nutrition and hydration, maintenance and repair of the skin's lipid barrier for example.

4. Facial MassageAaahh! A facial massage is as wonderful as it sounds. In the hands of a professional your muscles and your body begins to relax. Stress and tension is relieved. Your skin's health and radiance awakens through cellular renewal. The increased blood flow and lymph feeds you skin, removes cellular wastes, promotes the production of collagen, relaxes fine line and wrinkles.

5. Masque and ProtectionA wonderful way to wrap-up your facial. Think of the masque as a specialty blanket for your skin! The moisturizer and sunscreen offers protection to your skin for the rest of your day. Now you are back to reality with a spring in your step and you are putting your best face forward for the world to see.

A facial is not only essential for your skin. A facial is a much needed stress buster, feel better, health booster routine too!

​Summer is here! Time for picnics, camp outs, pool parties and lazy day at the beach or pool. It's super important to be knowledgeable about your approach to summer fun sun exposure. Here are some Sensible and Savvy Sun Tips to keep you protected while you are out having fun.​What do you know about the sun's intensity?The sun's intensity is directly proportional to the angle it is striking your body. When you are standing upright your face, scalp, ears, shoulders and the back of your neck are most exposed. Ah-hah! So wear a hat that affords optimal protection especially if you are outside for a long period of time. Make sure that it adequately shades your face, scalp, ears and the back of your neck. Should you by chance be a bathing beauty lying flat to soak up the most rays for your best tan ever. Be aware that you are receiving the MOST exposure to the highest intensity of the sun's rays especially if it is high noon. Not the best strategy for a tan especially when your skin is being burned. That results in injury and long-term DNA damage with payback down the road.

What's the UV index?​Be aware that this neat little tool helps define the level of UV exposure expected and how it can help you avoid a sunburn. Any UV index designation greater than six should prompt you to moderate your time in the sun to the less peak times. Check the UV index wherever you are to play it safe.And remember the Shadow Rule, which is "short shadow - seek shade." For more insightful information about the sun all year long check out this resource:

Take Charge! You can fight back to protect your skin and enjoy the outdoors. It's easier than you think. It takes planning and vigilance is key. Be sure to choose products that protect and heal the skin. Research shows that using sunscreens that contain DNA repair enzymes (photolyase & endonuclease) help minimize permanent damage to strands of DNA & assist skin cells to function optimally.

Here is a snippet from the research about using sunscreen with DNA enzymes:"our findings indicate that sunscreens plus DNA repair enzymes may be superior to traditional sunscreens alone in reducing field cancerization and UVR-associated molecular signatures (CPDs) in AK patients, potentially preventing malignant transformation into invasive squamous cell carcinoma in a more efficient manner."courtesy of https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26355618

​Be Sun Smart by utilizing these six tips.1. Wear a large brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, & sun protective clothing2. Use your sunscreen & reapply every two hours. Reapply sooner if you've sweated a lot.3. Avoid the sun when it is at its highest point in the sky, usually from 11 in the morning until three in the afternoon.4. Skip the tanning beds. Too much overexposure in a very brief period of time.5. Schedule yearly skin exams6. Use a UV laundry detergent to boost protection

Be pro active and protect yourself from the sun by being mindful of these tips.

1. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure.2. Limit your time in the sun & be mindful of the UV index.3. A helpful link from the EPA can be found here.4. Keep sunscreen, sunglasses & hats accessible at all times.5. Consider purchasing SPF protective clothing as an additional measure of protection.6. Check Your Skin regularly & note any changes.7. Take a picture as a source of reference.8. Should something "pop up" that is of concern, see your doctor for immediate treatment. That will ensure a more successful outcome.

​AK=actinic keratosis.This is the Red Flag. AK's are pre-cancerous and your body's way of getting your attention. Do not ignore as this lesion can progress into something much worse. The appearance of an AK is a patch of red, dry, scaly skin that does not go away and will enlarge over time. On darker skins it presents with a darker pigment. Treatment is straightforward and nothing to fear.

​Basal Cell Carcinoma=BCCThe most common type and easily remedied skin cancer when caught early. Mine eventually presented within a pink mole that started to itch. Basically it's cellular proliferation that runs amok. I had a biopsy and then surgery. I remember the cancer cells looking like a perfect pearl after it's removal. Yes, there is a scar.

​Squamous Cell CancerIs the second most common type of skin cancer. Unfortunately, the man in the photo ignored his symptoms. Don't let this happen to you. This cancer tends to take root in the middle and outer layers of the skin & usually presents as a red, scaly patch that heals and magically reappears! Take that to be a very bad sign and have it checked out asap.

MelanomaThis is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Early detection is essential. Melanoma spreads rapidly via the melanosomes which is within our cells and gives us our skin color. Take note of any new dark spot &/or changing mole.

​Did you know that there are melanomas that can occur in cells that do not make melanin? That's right, melanoma with an alter ego and it is challenging to diagnose. This type of melanoma is known as "amelanotic melanoma".

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